In the next three years MAN Nutzfahrzeuge will be investing some 19 million euros in the modernisation of bus production at its Plauen plant. The plans include a new main assembly hall with particular focus on ergonomic work-places, construction of a new and extremely environmentally friendly paintshop, a global competence centre for new painting and bonding technologies in bus construction and expansion of the logistics sector. Beside this a Customer Center is envisaged where customers can in future clarify orders and collect their new NEOPLAN buses.

"With our reorganisation of the Plauen plant we are creating a first-class assembly centre for exclusive de-luxe coaches that does full justice to the premium character of the NEOPLAN brand", explained Michael Kobriger, Head of Bus Production at MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. With its recent decision to make these investments MAN Nutzfahrzeuge is actually going beyond the collective bargaining agreement concluded with employee representatives in July of this year on the future of Plauen, which includes an assurance to invest around 18 million euros there up to 2016.

"In implementing the agreement on the future of the Plauen plant and in reorganising the plant MAN is discharging its responsibility to its employees and its premium brand, NEOPLAN. We on the Works Council are aware that the necessary changes in the buildings and the structure while production continues will demand extremely competent planning and high flexibility from all concerned", said Marcus Galle, Chairman of the Works Council at the Plauen plant.

In addition to the modernisation measures, which are scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge will also be expanding vocational training at the Plauen plant. Apprentices for the company's own requirements will, provided that they pass their final examinations, be given employment for at least 12 months.